Automatic rear wiper
SécuritéAverage price
Inclus ou via pack (200€ - 600€)
The automatic rear wiper is a safety and comfort system that autonomously activates the rear window wiper under specific conditions, without driver intervention. Its operation relies on intelligent synergy between several vehicle sensors. Most often, the system engages automatically when two conditions are met: the front wipers are running (indicating the presence of rain, detected by the rain sensor) and the driver engages reverse gear. This simple yet effective logic aims to ensure optimal rearward visibility during maneuvers, a time when the driver's attention is particularly demanded. Particularly common on hatchbacks, estates, and SUVs, where the rear window is more exposed to water spray and dirt, this equipment contributes directly to active safety. It prevents the driver from having to search for the manual rear wiper control while concentrating on their parking environment. Often coupled with the 'Visibility' pack or included as standard on mid-range and higher trim levels, the automatic rear wiper is a perfect example of how automating small tasks can significantly improve daily ergonomics and safety.
Benefits
- ✓Enhanced safety during reversing maneuvers in rainy weather.
- ✓Improved driving comfort by automating a task and reducing driver cognitive load.
- ✓Always optimal rear visibility without having to think about it.
- ✓Intelligent integration with other vehicle systems (rain sensor, gearbox).
Learn more
What is the automatic rear windscreen wiper?
The automatic rear windscreen wiper is a comfort and safety feature that is becoming increasingly common on modern vehicles. Unlike a conventional manual switch, this system takes the initiative to activate the rear window sweep in a very specific situation: when the driver needs it most and is likely to forget. Its main objective is to instantly clear the rear field of vision during a maneuver, particularly in rainy weather, thereby directly contributing to accident prevention.
How does this system work?
The magic of the automatic rear windscreen wiper lies in its communication with other vehicle systems. Its operation is generally conditioned by the combination of two key pieces of information:
- Front wiper activation: The system assumes that if the front blades are operating (via the manual switch or rain sensor), it is raining.
- Engagement of reverse gear: When the driver engages reverse gear, the computer interprets this as the start of a maneuver where rear visibility is crucial.
When these two conditions are met simultaneously, the on-board computer sends a command to the rear wiper to perform one or more sweeps. Once reverse gear is disengaged, the blade stops automatically (unless the driver has manually activated continuous mode). This simple and robust logic ensures the feature is only used when genuinely helpful, preventing inadvertent operation.
The main benefits of the automatic rear windscreen wiper
The integration of this technology, although seemingly simple, offers concrete benefits for daily driving.
- Enhanced active safety: By ensuring a clear rear window during parallel parking, exiting parking spaces, or any reversing maneuver in the rain, the system significantly reduces blind spots and the risk of collision with an obstacle, pedestrian, or other vehicle.
- Undeniable driving comfort: It reduces mental load for the driver. There is no longer any need to fumble for the dedicated stalk control while checking the rearview mirrors or the rearview camera screen. The driver can remain fully focused on the maneuver.
- Valuable assistance against forgetfulness: Amidst the stress of a quick maneuver, it is easy to forget to turn on the rear wiper. The system compensates for this oversight and acts as a true proactive assistant.
- Preservation of equipment: The system prevents the blade from operating on a dry glass surface, which over time can prematurely wear the rubber blade and scratch the rear window.
On which vehicles is it most relevant?
The automatic rear windscreen wiper is primarily present and relevant on body styles where the rear window has a near-vertical inclination. This is the case for:
- Hatchbacks and city cars (Peugeot 208, Renault Clio)
- SUVs and crossovers (Peugeot 3008, Renault Captur, Volkswagen Tiguan)
- Estate cars / Wagons (Audi A4 Avant, Peugeot 508 SW)
- MPVs and leisure activity vehicles
On these vehicles, aerodynamic turbulence at the rear tends to push rain and road grime against the window, quickly making it opaque. Conversely, three-box sedans / saloons (with a separate boot/trunk lid) are rarely equipped with it, as airflow naturally clears their inclined rear windows when driving.
In conclusion, the automatic rear windscreen wiper is a perfect example of a discreet yet remarkably effective technology. By automating a simple action in a critical context, it fully embodies the philosophy of modern advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): making the road safer and driving more serene.
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Associated equipment
Rain Sensors
The rain sensor is an essential Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that automates the activation and speed of the windshield wipers. Positioned against the windshield, usually at the base of the interior rearview mirror, it uses optoelectronic technology to guarantee perfect visibility in all circumstances. The system consists of an infrared light-emitting diode (LED) and a receiving photodiode. The LED projects a light beam onto the outer surface of the windshield. In dry weather, this beam is almost entirely reflected back to the receiver. However, the presence of raindrops on the glass alters the refractive index, which scatters the infrared ray and reduces the amount of returned light. A computer analyzes this variation in light intensity in real time. Based on the signal reduction, it interprets the amount of water present and commands the wiper motor accordingly, adjusting their wiping speed (slow intermittent, fast, normal continuous, or accelerated). This intelligent management frees the driver from this task, allowing them to remain focused on the road, and significantly improves active safety, particularly during sudden weather changes or water spray from other vehicles.
Backup camera
The backup camera is a fundamental Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for modern automotive safety. Discretely integrated into the rear of the vehicle, often near the license plate or within the brand logo, it activates automatically upon engaging reverse gear. Its wide-angle lens captures a broad view of the area normally invisible to the driver, thereby eliminating a critical blind spot. The image is transmitted in real time to a screen in the cabin, which may be the infotainment system's display, a dedicated screen, or even a section of the rearview mirror. For enhanced assistance, modern systems overlay guidance lines onto the image. Static lines indicate the vehicle's width and provide distance markers, while more advanced dynamic lines curve according to the steering wheel angle to precisely predict the trajectory. Essential for preventing low-speed collisions, particularly with pedestrians or low obstacles, the backup camera drastically simplifies parking maneuvers and contributes significantly to achieving better ratings in Euro NCAP safety tests. It has transitioned from a luxury option to a nearly standard active safety equipment on the majority of new vehicles.
Heated rear window
The heated rear window is an essential comfort and safety feature found on almost all modern vehicles. Its main role is to quickly eliminate frost, ice, or condensation that forms on the exterior and interior surfaces of the rear glass, thereby guaranteeing optimal rearward visibility. The system operates using a network of fine conductive lines, often orange or copper-colored, integrated directly into the glass surface. When activated via a dashboard button, a low-voltage electric current runs through these filaments. Through the Joule effect, this electrical resistance generates heat that spreads evenly across the entire surface of the rear window, melting the ice and evaporating condensation. Most systems are equipped with an automatic shut-off timer (usually after 10 to 15 minutes) to avoid excessive energy consumption and prevent glass overheating. Essential in winter, this equipment is also very useful in damp weather to combat fogging, directly contributing to active safety by allowing the driver to monitor the rear environment of their vehicle under all circumstances.
Automatic wipers
Automatic wipers, also known as rain-sensing wiper systems, are an active safety technology designed to improve driver visibility and comfort. Unlike traditional wipers that require manual adjustment of speed and frequency, this intelligent system adapts autonomously to the intensity of precipitation. The core of this technology is an optical sensor, generally located on the windshield at the base of the interior rearview mirror. This sensor emits infrared light that is reflected by the outer surface of the glass. When raindrops fall on this area, they alter the angle of light reflection. A photodetector measures the amount of returned light; the less it receives, the heavier the rain. Based on this information, the vehicle's computer activates the wiper blades at the most appropriate speed, ranging from a slow intermittent sweep for a light drizzle to maximum speed in a torrential downpour. This system relieves the driver of the tedious task of constantly adjusting the wipers, allowing them to fully concentrate on the road and traffic conditions.